Local

The Highlands Board of Commissioners will hold a budget work session at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 8.

The Highlands Board of Commissioners will hold a budget work session at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 8.

Commissioners get first look at budget

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 8, 2021
The Highlands Board of Commissioners will sit down for a budget work session at 3 p.m. today. The first draft of the town’s 2021-22 budget will be available for the board to review.
“The Scott and Patti Show” played to a sold out audience in 2019 at the Highlands Playhouse. Actor Scott Daniel (left) is taking over as the executive director of the Playhouse in May.

“The Scott and Patti Show” played to a sold out audience in 2019 at the Highlands Playhouse. Actor Scott Daniel (left) is taking over as the executive director of the Playhouse in May.

Experienced entertainer Daniel bringing vision to Highlands Playhouse

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Scott Daniel may have a new job title, but he is no stranger to the Highlands Playhouse. As a performer in the “Scott and Patti Show,” Daniel has graced the Highlands’ stage in the past and he hopes to lean on his experience when he takes over as the Playhouse’s executive director in May.
NC Department of Transportation crews began rebuilding a bank under US 64 near Bridal Veil Falls on Monday. That project is being completed simultaneously to the Main Street repaving project.

NC Department of Transportation crews began rebuilding a bank under US 64 near Bridal Veil Falls on Monday. That project is being completed simultaneously to the Main Street repaving project.

Pair of road projects underway

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Roadwork continued on Main Street in Highlands this week as a second major project got started on US 64 near Bridal Veil Falls. NC Department of Transportation crews finished paving Main Street from the intersection of NC 106 through the intersection of 5th Street on Tuesday.
A private donation is in place to upgrade and expand the current playground at the Highlands Rec Park in the coming year.

A private donation is in place to upgrade and expand the current playground at the Highlands Rec Park in the coming year.

Parks and Rec eyes upgrades

Ryan Hanchett
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
The Highlands Parks and Recreation Department is hoping that a donation from the community and some budget help from the town board of commissioners will lead to a number of improvements in 2021.
The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

Shrimp boil benefit back on

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
One of Highlands’ most popular summer events will be back with a new format for 2021. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Shrimp Boil was given the green light by the Highlands board of commissioners.
The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

The Friends of Founders Park shrimp boil is scheduled for Saturday, June 19 using a drive-thru format.

Shrimp boil benefit back on

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
One of Highlands’ most popular summer events will be back with a new format for 2021. Following a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Friends of Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Shrimp Boil was given the green light by the Highlands board of commissioners.
The Highlands Board of Commissioners approved a new code of conduct during the board's March 18 meeting.

The Highlands Board of Commissioners approved a new code of conduct during the board's March 18 meeting.

Commissioners approve revamped code of conduct

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
The Highlands Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted an updated code of conduct policy that gives the board the option to censure members who act outside the bounds of their office.
Two Macon County residents have died from COVID-19 in the past week according to Macon County Public Health officials.

Two Macon County residents have died from COVID-19 in the past week according to Macon County Public Health officials.

Macon County reports two additional COVID-19 deaths

News Staff
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Macon County has reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19 in the past week. According to information provided by the Macon County Public Health Department, the death toll in the county stands at 32 since the pandemic began in 2020.

Protecting hemlock trees

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 25, 2021
A team made up of Highlands Biological Station staff members and community volunteers recently pitched in to fight a foe wreaking havoc on Highlands and the surrounding area. Thanks to support from donor R.B.